Officials: Swap home show for professional show

Serious injury, even death can occur if fireworks are used improperly

Hayden  After drought canceled last year's Independence Day fireworks shows, people may be doubly eager to play with sparklers and see fireworks light up the sky this Fourth of July. But the city of Steamboat Springs and the Steamboat Springs Fire Department warn that fireworks can be dangerous and should be used with caution.

Serious injury and even death can occur if fireworks are used improperly. In 2001, almost 10,000 people were treated in emergency rooms and four died in the United States because of fireworks-related injuries, according to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.

Colorado state law prohibits the use of any fireworks that shoot into the air, emit projectiles or make an excessively loud noise. Bottle rockets, firecrackers, cherry bombs, Roman candles, aerial bombs, and homemade fireworks are illegal.

Legal fireworks include non-explosives that are not intended to leave the ground, such as sparklers, fountains and ground spinners.

All fireworks are illegal on U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management land.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment recommends viewing a professionally organized fireworks show, rather than one at home, said Susan Parachini, consumer product safety program manager for the department.

The Steamboat Springs Fireworks Show begins at 9:30 p.m. July 4 at Howelsen Hill. The city is asking for residents to take alternate modes of transportation to avoid traffic congestion.